That's a tribute to her!
alt="Eenadu icon" class="img-fluid rounded">By Editorial Team Published : 19 Dec 2025 01:43 IST Ee Font size - ABC MEDIUM
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daalmost two and a half centuries ago in this month of December, a 42-year-old woman became the queen of Malwa kingdom. Before that, she was the only one who had lost her husband, father-in-law and son in successive wars. Even though she took over the reins of government under forced circumstances, she did not remain as 'Maharani in name'. Learned martial arts. He fought wars himself. He ruled the kingdom prosperously for three decades and showed his power. She is the 'Philosopher Queen' who made centuries of governance reforms remembered even today. Name is Ahlyabai Holkar. Ranemma, who did not use Parda method and ostentatiousness, but stayed among the people and stood by them in their hardships. Rani Ahlyabai is credited with establishing universities, industries and developing cities, apart from managing them brilliantly. He made Maheshwar the new capital, made it a center of arts and encouraged the weavers there and expanded the textile industry. Especially Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath Temples, including many other ancient temples from Haridwar to Rameswaram were restored. Rest rooms, Dharamshalas and other arrangements have been made for the convenience of the devotees. Ghats were built near the rivers. In the days when gender equality was unknown, schools for boys and girls and shelters for single women were built. Ponds and canals were dug for agriculture. Ahlyabai's long reign... It symbolizes the sympathy and responsibility of the rulers towards the people. This year many programs were organized in Madhya Pradesh to celebrate her 300th birth anniversary.
When the birthdays and death of famous people come, it has become a custom to pay tributes to that day and do our work. But that's not what actually needs to be done. Their inspiration should be reflected in our practice.
As devotees, pilgrims, donors, voluntary workers... women are seen in majority. But how many women are in temple governance and decision-making positions? Financial discipline, transparency and compassionate business acumen have been proven on many occasions by women. If their abilities are utilized in the governing bodies of the temples, it will pave the way for better facilities for devotees and pilgrims. Traffic management near temples becomes easier. The choice of priorities changes with the allocation of funds. Ahlyabai believed that devotion does not end with God's darshan, but that prior to that, the importance given to the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims is also a part of it. The need to put her ideal into practice is now even greater. When we ask in that direction, we will be the ones who have paid real tribute to Ahalyabai!
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